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AB 2481

Beverage containers: recycling: glass: quality incentive payments.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Esmeralda Soria

AB 2481 expands glass recycling QIPs to pay for color-sorted or mixed glass cont. used by California manufacturers beyond containers, broadening eligible recipients and end-uses.

Referred to Com. on E.Q.
#beveragecontainers #glass #qualityincentivepayments #recycling
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 2481

Summary of AB 2481 (2025-2026) — California Beverage containers: recycling: glass: quality incentive payments

Purpose and intent

AB 2481, introduced by Assembly Member Soria and co-sponsored by Esmeralda Soria, amends the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act to broaden the use of the state’s continuously appropriated funds for quality incentive payments. The bill aims to support glass recycling and broaden eligibility for quality incentive payments beyond glass used to manufacture new glass beverage containers, including glass cullet used by other manufacturers (e.g., fiberglass insulation). The fiscal effect is to authorize a new appropriation through the fund’s existing authority for quality incentive payments.

Key context:
- The Public Resources Code currently provides for quality incentive payments (QIPs) for different beverage-container materials (glass, plastic, aluminum).
- Prior law limits QIPs for glass specifically to color-sorted glass substantially free of contamination used to manufacture glass beverage containers in the state, with a cap of up to $60 per ton, and a process for additional disbursements using remaining funds.

AB 2481 would allow the department to make quality incentive payments for empty glass beverage containers that are substantially free from contamination and used by other manufacturers in the state (not just for glass container manufacturing). This expands the set of eligible recipients and end-uses for glass cullet.

What the bill does (key provisions)

  • Amends Section 14549.1 of the Public Resources Code to broaden eligibility for quality incentive payments (QIPs) for glass.
  • For empty glass beverage containers:
    • Eligibility expands to color-sorted or mixed-color glass that is subsequently color-sorted by the collector or another entity certified under the division.
    • Payments can be made to entities other than the traditional curbside recycling program operators, as long as the glass is substantially free of contamination and used for manufacturing in California (including glass cullet used by other manufacturers, such as fiberglass insulation producers).
    • The payment rate remains up to $60 per ton, as determined by the department.
    • After the biannual disbursement for color-sorted glass and glass used for making glass containers, any remaining funds may be used to pay additional eligible entities.
  • Maintains existing QIP structures for plastic and aluminum containers:
    • Plastic: up to $180 per ton, collected by curbside/dropoff programs, sorted by resin type.
    • Aluminum: up to $125 per ton, for aluminum containers that are otherwise free of non-aluminum items or cleaned if commingled.
  • Transparency and accountability: requires recipients (curbside operators or other certified entities) to provide records for inspection to verify data accuracy and compliance.
  • Clarifies that only one QIP payment may be made per empty beverage container collected.

Who is affected

  • Eligible recipients of quality incentive payments for glass recyclables:
    • Traditionally: operators of curbside recycling programs or other certified entities.
    • Under AB 2481: additional entities that use glass cullet (e.g., manufacturers of fiberglass insulation) may receive QIPs for glass that is substantially free of contamination.
  • Glass recyclers, collectors, and processors: may have expanded opportunities to monetize glass cullet.
  • Manufacturers and entities utilizing recycled glass as a feedstock in-state (beyond just glass container manufacturing) could benefit from QIPs for eligible glass inputs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill is amended to reflect current timelines and fund availability:
    • QIPs are paid “subject to the availability of funds” and consistent with other sections (14581).
    • Year-end reallocation is allowed: at year-end, after biannual disbursements, remaining funds may be redirected to additional eligible entities.
  • Legislative history:
    • 2026-04-29: In committee; first hearing; referred to Appropriations suspense file.
    • 2026-04-16 to 04-15: Various amendments and committee actions.
    • 2026-02-20 to 02-21: First-time introduction/reading; to print.
  • Fiscal impact: The bill contemplates appropriation and use of continuously appropriated funds for expanded QIPs, creating a new eligible-use authorization for glass-related recycling payments.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Potentially increases the amount of glass material entering California manufacturing supply chains by providing financial incentives for glass that is substantially free of contamination, even when not used to make new glass beverage containers.
  • Could enhance the quality and marketability of recycled glass by expanding the pool of eligible end-uses.
  • Maintains accountability standards through inspection and recordkeeping requirements for recipients.
  • No changes to plastic and aluminum QIP rates, but clarifies existing frameworks and eligibility.

Overall, AB 2481 seeks to maximize the use and value of recycled glass by expanding eligible recipients and end-uses for quality incentive payments, supported by the state’s continuous appropriation from the Beverage Container Recycling Fund.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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